Help Improve Google Maps, Win Prizes

Google announced their unique competition to update Google maps in India.

Google announced their unique competition to update Google maps in India.

Users can update Google Maps by themselves, provide suggestions and at the end of the competition, a 1000 winners will be selected and awarded by Google.

Mapathon 2013 is India’s first mapping competition and aimed at improving Google Maps in India. The competition begins on 12th February and ends on 25th March 2013. Participants can update Google Maps via the Google Map Maker. Google Map Maker will help users add details to Google Maps using satellite or their knowledge of a particular area or location. Participants can also update sites presently listed on Google Maps.

Once the changes made by participants are verified by Google, the changes will be uploaded to Google Maps.

The initiative is a smart, wise one as India is plagued by tiny narrow lanes and hidden locations which might not be accurately captured by the satellite. Also, with indepth knowledge provided by locals, the listings that are incorrect can be accurately changed.

The prizes for the top 1000 mappers include tablets, smartphones, gift vouchers and Google merchandise.